Zircon

Although known to man since the beginning of civilization, zircon is perhaps the most underrated stones among other fancy, colorful stones. Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral made from zirconium silicate. Although colorless zircon is purest form of the zircon and resembles the diamond, the gemstone also comes in a myriad of colors like shades of blue, green, yellow and most commonly brown. The intense luster and strong fire of zircon gives the stone a magnificent sparkle.

It must be noted that zircon is different from cubic zirconium, which is a synthetic lab-created stone to be used as an affordable diamond imitator.

An interesting and extraordinary quality exhibited in only few pieces of zircons is that their color intensifies and their shine dulls if exposed to sunlight for long periods.

History And Beliefs

Zircon is one of the oldest rocks in Earth – a few grains of zircon discovered in the early 1990s in sandstone in Western Australia date back 4.2–4.3 billion years.

In the Eleventh century, zircon was regarded as the talisman for travelers, protecting them from injury, disease and insomnia, as well as guarantying a warm reception wherever their travels would take them. During the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to induce better sleep, shun away evil spirits, and promote wealth, honor and wisdom.

Many scholars are of the opinion that zircon got its name from the Arabic words ‘zarkun’, meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion.” Others believe that the source of the name comes from is the Persian word zargun, or “gold colored.”

The blue variety of zircon was a special favorite during the Victorian times, an era when fine gems were frequently used to be adorned in English estate jewelry dating from the 1880s.

Occurrence

Zircon is found universally in all types of rocks. It is obtained from various sources including Cambodia, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Burma (Myanmar), Australia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Composition

The mineral zircon, otherwise known as zirconium silicate, is normally found as a minor constituent in igneous rock such as granites and some types of metamorphic rock. These gemstones are formed mostly in pegmatites and in fissures. However, due to weathering of the gem-embedded rocks, most zircons are found in alluvial and beach deposits.

In its natural form, zircon occurs in varieties of colorless to pale yellow, or green. The traces of color are a result of traces of thorium and uranium that replace zircon in the stone.

Varieties

Jacinth – Yellow, orange, brown, or red

Jargon – Colorless, pale gray, or pale yellow

Mature Diamond – Trade name for colorless Zircon.

Starlite – Blue variety

Blue zircon is the most popular and highly demanded variety of the gemstone. It is produced by heat treatment of brown zircon. However, only a those varieties of brown zircon with a particular physical structure will turn blue on heating.

The most valued zircon is the red gemstone – cherished for its rarity.

Metaphysical Properties And Meanings

There are many benefits of zircon – it is used for its medical as well as astrological value. The gemstone is also widely used for its healing properties and there is also some mythological value associated with the stone.

Zircon in Astrology

For its astrological value, zircon is worn to protect the mind and body from harmful energy emitted by celestial bodies in our solar system. It is also believed to possess certain characteristics which act in a positive manner to attract the vibes of wisdom, wealth, self confidence and self esteem. Zircon is also associated with feelings of love and happiness and is believed to being joy and satisfaction to the wearer.

Zircon is also assumed to cure diseases like epilepsy, fever and insanity. Another important aspect linked to the gemstone is its shine – it is assumed that the wearer should clean or polish the stone often to maintain its shine, or loss of shine would change its power from positive to negative.

Color Significance And Their Uses

Color of a gemstone plays an important part in the world of astrology, including other factors such as motion and light. When these three factors are brought together, they give way to the seven colors found in the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, blue, indigo and violet. Zircon occurs in variations of these colors thus giving them significant value in astrology. Each color of zircon is assumed to represent a different body part.

Colorless

This variety helps in gaining clear thinking, clear aura along with mental sharpness. It brings love, happiness and harmony and also has a positive impact on the beauty of the body. Medically, white zircon is believed to regulate diabetes and illness of the reproductive system.

It also has the capacity to relieve ailments of the upper respiratory tract, asthma, bronchial infections, cough and cold. It is also believed to increase appetite and is recommended to those suffering from anorexia.

White zircon proves to be lucky for the creative minds, such as artists in music, acting, writing and other creative careers as it is believed to make the wearer attractive and famous. The stone eradicates evil and fearful thoughts and also guards against nightmares. It also boosts self confidence, immune system and clears the aura.

Light Yellow

This shade of zircon is helpful in enhancing wisdom and knowledge. Wearing the stone helps the owner experience better sleep. The wearer will also be able to draw the attention of his/her lover.

Red

Red shade of zircon has healing properties – it helps with curing injuries and wounds and relieves pain and ear infections.

Green

This variety of zircon helps to attract material prosperity- the wearer can become wealthy and successful. It also helps the wearer with social upliftment, boosting confidence and enhancing relationships.

Light Blue

Light blue zircon aids in the stability and strength of mind. The stone helps to stabilize and control emotions – the wearer can keep a grasp on how he/she is feeling and avoid social outbursts.

Pink

The pink shade of zircon helps in occult experiences like those of astral travels.

Violet

This variety of zircon is beneficial for those looking to become wealthy – violet zircon attracts riches. Wearer of violet zircon will experience financial prosperity and profits, therefore it is particularly recommended to those who run their own business.

Brown

The most popular variety of the stone, brown zircon helps in easy attainment of the basic knowledge and foundation and centering.

Orange

Ideal for women, orange zircon helps to enhance beauty and splendor. It keeps the wearer safe from jealousy and the evil eye. The effect of orange zircon is most powerful when worn with gold.

Applications

Value

Like most colored gemstones, zircon’s value is mainly determined by its color saturation and intensity, all other factors being constant. Beyond that, size and clarity of the stone play a significant role.

Most zircon gemstones are eye-clean. Blue and colorless zircons are categorized type I gems, meaning they are nearly always eye clean with no inclusions. Other colors of zircon are type II – they can have eye-visible inclusions, but that does not diminish the stone’s beauty. Since blue zircons are in high demand, they are usually more expensive than other varieties of zircons.